Briquette making machine



Oct. 10, 1939 BRIQUETTE MAKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 28, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

JaH/v FCRAWFaRa BY i ATTORNEY J. F. CRAWFORD 2, 5,342

J. F. CRAWFORD BRIQUETTE MAKING MACHINE F'iled Aug. 28, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JOHN F. GRA wFa/w" BY 1 I A TTORNEY Oct. 10, 1939.

Oct. 10, 1939.

J. F. CRAWFORD BRI QUE'ITE MAKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 28, 193.6

6 Sheets-Sheet 3 JaH/v F GRA WF'OH'D BY ATTORNEY Oct. 10, 1939. J CRAWFORD 2,175,342

BRIQUETTE MAKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 28, 1936 G'Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

- 'Jomv FCRAWFORD BY .I

ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 10, 1939 PATENT OFFICE BRIQUETTE MAKING MACHINE John F. Crawford, Racine, Wis., assignor to J.'I. Oase Company, Itacine,-Wis., a corporation Application August 28, 1936, Serial No. 98,334

22 Claims.

"The present invention relates to machines for forming small uniformly sized bodies or briquettes by compressing suitable comminuted material, such for example as coal, and an object of the invention is to generally improve the construction and operation of such apparatus.

Further objects are to provide an improved general organization of machinery for this purpose; improved mechanism for actuating the dies-in such a machine; improved mechanism for feeding material to the dies and insuring a correct charge before closing thereof, and improved mechanism for ejecting finished briquettes from the dies, and which is arranged 145,, to also serve to assist in the proper charging thereof.

A further object is to provide improved mechanisms and instrumentalities for the carrying Ollt'Of the above objects, and other objects will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the general arrangement of the various units employed.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the compressing 25 mechanism with parts broken away.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical axial sectional view of the compressing device taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional View taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

L Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional View showingin detail an automatic feed control.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a load responsive device taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view of a hydraulic relay mechanism taken on the line l-.'I of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of a certain pump structure taken on the line 88 of Figure '7. 40 Figure 9 is an axial sectional view of certain pulley structure indicated in Figure 5.

- Figure 10 is a similar view with the parts in a different position.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the same taken 45' on the line I ll I of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a detail of certain feeding mechanism indicated in Figure 4, taken on the line Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line Iii-l3 of Figure 4.-

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line l, il4 of Figure 4.

Similar reference characters have been applied to the same parts throughout the drawings and specification.

As seen in Fig. 1, the material to be compacted is dried in a drier D, being fed thereto as needed from a bin B, and the dried material, with its moisture content reduced to a proper amount for briquetting, is transported by a conveyer C 5 to a'pulverizer P in which it is reduced to a suitable degree of fineness. The material is then taken bymeans of anlelevator E to a hopper H from which it is fedto the compressing machine M, the finished briquettes being removed from 10 the machine to a suitableplace of delivery or storage byv a second elevator E.

' The specific type of drying, pulverizing, and conveying mechanisms, form no part of the present'invention and "it is not considered neces- 16 sary to describe them further, but attention is directed tothe compressing or briquetting mechanism proper, generally designated by character M.

It is to be noted in considering this mechanism that the compressing of the material obtained by 20 the disclosed apparatus is such that certain bituminous constituentsthereof are expressed from the particles to serve as a binder, no other binder being necessaryor desirable in the practice of the present process.

PAS more particularly shown in Fig. 2, the granulated material-is fed at a measured rate from hopper H by means of a rotating auger conveyer 15, Figs. 2, 3 and 4, operating in a tube or casing 16, into a die charging housing [1, from which the material passes into a series of lower die portions or members l8l8 passing in succession beneath the housing, the die portions being carriedin; a circular path on a relatively heavy rotary disk-like table or anvil member T.

A mating series of upper die portions l9-I9, Figs.-2, 3 and 5, is carried in synchronism with lower die portions l 8 -l 8 by an upper die-carrier member 20,- table T and die-carrier 20 being rotatively supportedat a slight angle to each 1.0 other asshown particularly in Fig. 3 so that, as the members rotate together, the die portions l8 and I9 pass alternately from a relatively widely separated position as seen at the left in Fig. 3 to a closed position as seen at the right. The material introduced into the lower die portions l8 by housing I1 is accordingly trapped, during the rotation of the members, between the die portions l8 and I9, and subjected to heavy pressure as the dies close. As the dies pass back toward the starting position at the-left of Fig. 4, the finished briquettes are dislodged and removed from the dies I'llv by means of ejecting plungers 2l2l which are projected upwardly into dies [8 at appropriate times. Plungers 2|2l also serve in the charging operation to preliminarily compact the material to insure a proper density thereof and to eject any excess in order to avoid undue pressures and stresses in the mechanism when the dies are closed.

Table T and die carrier 20 may be driven in any suitable manner, in the present instance from a motor 22, Fig. 2, through a drive shaft generally designated as 23, intermeshing gears 24 and 25, and a countershaft 26, the latter carrying gears 21 and 28 engaging, respectively, gears 29 and 30 fixed with die carrier 20 and table T. The material feeding auger I5 is also driven from motor 22, a gear 3| on the upper extremity of shaft 23 driving, through a. gear 32, a combination shaft 33 carrying a sheave 34, driving, through a belt 35, an auger drive pulley 36.

Sheave 34 is adjustable in effective diameter. and furnishes a means of varying the speed of drive of auger l5, this adjustment being effected through a load responsive device 31 interposed in drive shaft 23, and a power relay 38 controlled thereby, as will appear more fully below.

Turning particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, the machine is built upon and largely housed by a frame comprising upper and lower L-shaped sections 39 and 40 held together by suitable means such as through bolts 4l-4I and 42-42, Fig. 4, the sections being so placed together as to provide a closed and an open side as particularly apparent in Fig. 2. Bolts 4l-4l extend through tubular columns 43-43 for substantially rigidly maintaining the desired spacing between the frame sections at the open side thereof. The frame castings themselves are in contact with each other at the closed side, and effectively resist the pull of bolts 42-42. The frame is massively constructed, and reenforced at 44 and 45, Fig. 3, against the heavy stresses it has to resist, and by providing the structure with an open side, Fig. 3, ready access to actuating elements of the machine is available to attendants during its operation or otherwise.

Table T is carried by a large anti-friction bearing having a lower race 46, supported on lower frame section 40, a series of rolls or other antifriction elements 41-41, preferably carried upon a spacing spider or other retainer 48 providing a series of fingers 49-49 upon which the rolls are journaled, and an upper race 58 upon which the table rests. This provides an exceptionally solid support for the table against the weight thereof and the considerable thrust reactions arising from the compressing of the briquettes.

Spider member 48 provides an upper groove 5| into which lubricant, from a suitable source not shown, is discharged from a nozzle 52, the lubricant discharging through ports or oil holes 53 onto fingers 49 and race 46, lubricating thoroughly. The periphery of the bearing is enclosed by a housing 54 of sheet metal or the like to prevent the entrance of dirt, escape of lubricant, or other undesirable results which might follow from leaving it exposed.

The table itself comprises a massive ring-like portion 55 closed at its upper side, and connected by a Web 56 with a central hub portion 51, the hub being journaled for rotation. about a pilot or column 58 projecting upwardly from frame portion 49, and preferably removably fixed therewith by bolts or the like 59. A bushing 60 is preferably interposed between column 58 and hub 51, and, for preventing undesired upward displacement of the table, a cap portion 6| is fixed to the top of the column by screws or the like 62 and projects laterally thereof to engage a portion of bushing 60.

The table carries a die-holding ring 63, fixed theeron by suitable bolts or the like 64, the ring being provided with a series of openings in which are placed die portions l8. The dies may rest upon spacers 65 interposed between them and the upper face of ring portion 55 of the table, these spacers giving a larger bearing on the table against the heavy pressures developed thanwould the bottoms of the dies themselves. Furthermore, they may be made interchangeable with others of different thicknesses to give an adjustment of the position of the dies.

For holding the dies down in ring 63 a plate 66 is superimposed thereon, engaging the mouths of the dies at 61, and held in clamping relation thereto by screws or the like 68. Plate 66 is continuous for a substantial distance inwardly from the periphery thereof, with the exception of the openings for the dies l8 and is substantially flush with the mouths of the dies so that surplus material struck from the dies will be carried on the plate. The plate also forms a lower closure for above mentioned feed housing l1, for supporting therein comminuted material in position to drop into die portions [8.

Plate 66 is spaced above ring 63, as shown in Fig. 3, by its engagement with die portions l8, and the ring has, exteriorly of the periphery of the plate, and spaced therefrom, an upstanding rim 69, forming with the plate edge an orifice 10 through which a strong draft of air, or suction, is maintained during the operation of the machine. Material left on plate 66 by operation of the charging mechanism finds its way, under the urge 0f centrifugal force, vibration, etc., to the edge of plate 66, where it is drawn into the orifice.

The material passes beneath the plate, about the die portions l8, and over and through a shield or funnel 1! which directs it into the hollow in-,- terior 12 of above mentioned pilot 58, the lower end of which is in communication with a duct 13 leading to an exhaust fan 14, driven by any convenient means such for example as a motor 15, Fig. 1, and a belt 16. The air and entrained material is discharged from the fan through a pipe 11 leading to a centrifugal, or other suitable extractor 18 where the material is extracted from the air and returned to hopper H.

A certain amount of very fine material is likely to be forced down between the ejecting plungers 2i and their bores in die portions l8, into bores 19 in table portion 55, and this is also extracted by the above described system, a series of ducts 80 admitting air to bores 19, and another series of ducts 8i communicating with a space 82 between ring portion 55 and hub 51, which is also exhausted by fan 14 through a plurality of ports 83-83, communicating with the space 12 within pilot 58. A shield 84 closes the space 82 from anti-friction bearing 41, and lubricant is prevented from being drawn into ports 83 by means of a packing element 85, on the shield, running on an enlarged base portion 86 of pilot 58. Lubricant is also prevented from being drawn from the pilot bearing by a packing element 81, the lubricant being supplied to the bearing through a pipe 88, and the excess draining away through a drilled or other suitable passageway 89 to the floor of frame portion 40 to be recovered or suitably disposed of. A duct 99 is provided to dispose of lubricant deposited outside of race 46.

Plungers 2| have enlarged shank portions 9! guided in bores 13, the shanks being provided with suitable rack teeth 92, Fig. 4, engagingpinions 93 carried on' shafts 94 journaled in ring portion 55 of table T, and also in bushings 95 suitably fixed in portion 55 as by threads 96, the shafts having arms 91 fixed thereon outside of table T and carrying suitable cam-follower rolls 98 journaled on pins 99 fixed with the arms, the rolls being positioned and arranged to run on a cam track I fixed with lower frame portion 40 in any suitable manner. A complementary cam track portion IOI, Fig. 2, may be used to insure positive downward movement of the rolls and plungers at the proper times.

Above mentioned gear 30 is fixed with the tablestructure, in the present instance byscrews I02-I02, engaging ring member 63. The drive is thus transmitted in the most direct manner to the elements in which the torque reaction, or driving resistance arises, namely the die portions I8.

Die carrier 20 comprises a ring-like casting or member having die portions I9I9 suitably fixed therewith, the ring being fixed with a stem or journal I03 carried in a bearing portion I04 of upper frame member 39, a bushing I05 being interposed between the bearing and journal, and downward movement of the journal being pre-' vented by a thrust element such as the lock nut I06 embodying a series of slots I01, nut I06 rotating in contact with a flange portion I08 of the bushing provided for this purpose. A pin I09 or other suitable safety locking means may be provided engaging slots'IO'I and IIO-I I0 in the stem to prevent accidental displacement of the nut. The ring is preferably firmly'held. on the stem by screws or the like IIII l I.

' 'I'he'niajor thrust reactions (in ring 29 are upward, and for resisting these, ring "engages the lower race II2 of "a large anti fi'iction bearing-having a series of rolls II3-"'I I3 journaled on the fingers II4''-II4 of a'spider H5 or other suitable retainer or other means for keeping the rolls properly spaced, or facilitating assembly. The upper race II6 of this bearing bears against the under side of frame 39, and transmits the upward thrust thereto.

Lubricant is introduced to the bearing through a pipe II! for insuring proper lubrication thereof, and after passing through the same, finds its way to a trough II8 on the outer rim of ring 20 from which it flows to gear 29 in the vicinity of gears 21 and 28. Thorough lubrication of these main driving gears is. thus obtained, and the spent lubricant finally drops to the floor of frame 40 and is discharged through above mentioned port 90. Gear 29 is attached to a flange portion H9 forming a part of above mentioned trough M8 by suitable means such as screws I-20I20.

Die portions I 9 are provided with flanges I2 I I2I which are seated as shown in suitable recesses in ring 20, and the flanges are engaged by strap members I22--I22 held in clamping relation thereto by screws I23-I23 threaded in ring 20. In this way the dies may be made of simple form for ready fabrication of hard 'ma'- terial, .while avoiding any difficulty in mounting them in the machine.

The upper anti-friction bearing preferably has a shield or housing I24 for excluding dirt, retaininglubricant, etc., similar to above mentioned housing 54.

As clearly apparent in Figs. 2 and 3, pilot 58 and stem I03 are not coaxial, but are arranged at a slight angle to each other, so that, as table t T and die carrier 20 are rotated through gears 21, 28, 29, 30, die portions I8 and I9 pass'from a relatively widely separated position, providing room for a feeding means, as shown at the left in Fig. 3, to a closed, or interfitting relation,- as seen at the right of this figure, the latter re-' sulting in a compression of materialtrapped between the dies, the pressure obtainable by this novel mechanism being so great that certain of the bituminous constituents of the material are expressed from the particles and act as a binder to unite the material and prevent appreciable disintegration of the briquettes during storage and'handling. a

Obviously the amount of effort required to turn table T'and carrier 2'wi1l vary with the amount of material trapped between thed-ie portions as the members rotate, and advantage is takenv of this fact-to regulate the feed of material to the dies so as to insure a sufiicient and uniform hardness in the finished briquettes .and operation of the machine substantially up to its maxi' mum capacity, and to avoid developing excessive pressures and stresses in the mechanism. This is accomplished, as above briefly outlined, by varying the speed of auger I5 in accordance with the amount of torque necessary to turn the table and die carrier. r i Motor22, Fig. 2, drives the tablev T etc. through above. mentioned torque responsive" element 3.1, gears and 25, shaft 26, and gears 21 and 28, shaft25 being journaled at its upper end in a bearing portion I25, Fig. 3, of upper frame member 39, and at its lower end, beneath gears?! and 28, in a bushing. I26 carried in frame per-'- tion 40, gear 25 having a thrust portion I21, for carrying the weight of shaft 26 and its attached parts. A chamber I28 may be arranged in the bushing to contain a quantity of lubricant, if desired. Gears 2! and 28 may be fixed with shaft 26 in any suitable manner,pins"I29--I29 being shown as passed through thegears and shaft and a key. I30, Fig. 4, being-seatedtheree between to' form. a positive connection; a Gear 25 may have a tapered-hub portion ,I,8.I bored to fit a correspondingly. tapered portion on shaft 26 as shown, and a nut I32 threaded-on a reduced stem I33 presses the gear on the shaft, a spacer I34 and a cam plate. I35,,for a purpose to bepresently apparent being interposed be. tween the nut and gear. A, key, I36 may be seated in the shaft andgear if desired. Gears 24 and 25 are enclosed in a housing I31, Fig. 5, having an upper closure I38; for protectingthe mechanism from dirt, or the like, and carrying certain other mechanism to be later described. Housing I 3I is fastened to frame member 39 by suitable means (not shown).

Drive shaft 23 comprises a portion I39, which may be a part of the motor shaft, and a portion I 40, journaled in a bearing ltl, carryin above described gears 24 and 3!, the portion-I40 being coupled to portion I39 by means of the torque -responsive coupling 3?. Coupling 31- comprises a sleeve portion. I42, fixed with shaftportionI3-9 by means of a pin or the like. I43, the-sleeve opening out into; a housing I44, in which is journaled at I45,;for a;limited amount of independent movement, the lower end of shaft I40. The shaft I 40is driven from rotation of housing I44 through a plurality of compression springs I46 and I41, Fig; 6,1interposed between abutments I48 and I49,;fixed-with the interior .of the housing, and wings I50 and I5I of a collar -I52 fixed on:the shaft I40 by suitable means such as a pin I53. Turning effort in shaft (iii portion I39, opposed by resistance to turning in shaft portion I 40 will therefore result in compression of springs I46 and I41, and relative angular displacement of the shafts. Within the capacity of the springs this displacement is a measure of the amount of torque transmitted by the coupling, and, in the present instance, of the amount of resistance offered by the material being compressed to rotation of the table T and carrier 20. It is this displacement which is utilized in the present invention to regulate the rate of feed of material to the dies.

For this purpose housing I 44 is provided with an upper closure I54 fixed therewith by means of screws or the like I55 having upper cam portions provided with angular surfaces I56, engaging mating surfaces I51 on a cam element I 58, which is maintained continually in the same angular relation with shaft portion I 40, whereby the above mentioned angular displacement of easing I 44 and shaft I40 will cause longitudinal, or lifting movement of cam portion I58. Shaft portion I40 carries a fly-wheel I59, fixed therewith in any suitable manner, as by a flange I60 and bolts or the like I6I. Cam member I58 is clamped for rotative adjustment in a fitting or clamping member comprising upper and lower portions I62 and I63, united by screws or the like I64, portion I 62 having a plurality of rods or stems I65 slidable in bores I66 in fly-wheel I59, whereby clamping member I62-I 63, and accordingly cam I58 is constrained to rotate with the fly-wheel, but is free for axial movement relatively thereto. Rods I65, at their upper ends bear against a plate I61 having a hub portion I68 slidable on shaft portion I40, and carrying by means of a suitable thrust bearing I69, a collar I10. A lever or bell-crank I1I, pivoted at I12 on a bracket I13, fastened to the under side of housing I31 by screws or the like I14, has a forked portion I15 resting on collar I10 so as to partake of the up-and-down movement thereof, and this movement is transmitted to the feed regulating mechanism as follows:

Lever I1I, through a link I16, actuates a lever I11 pivoted at I18 to a bracket portion I19 on a housing I of a hydraulic power relay structure to be presently described. The relay in the present instance duplicates in a shaft or plunger I8I, movements imparted to a rod I82 pivoted at I83 to lever I11, plunger I8I, however, being capable of exerting a Very considerable force, while the effort required to move rod I 82 is very slight. Plunger I8I, through a rod I84 adjustable relatively thereto, the adjustment of which is maintained by a lock nut I85, and a bracket I86, pivoted to the rod at I81, shifts a sleeve I88 constituting the exterior of above mentioned combination shaft 33 axially, the sleeve being slidably supported in a fitting I89, supported for convenience'upon hopper H, and operative to change the effective diameter of sheave 34. The inner end of sleeve I88 is provided with a bushing I90 for supporting the sleeve on a shaft I9I constituting the inner portion of combination shaft 33.

Shaft I9I is driven from a shaft I92 journaled in bearing portions I93 and I94 in a housing I95 carried on gear housing I31, and supporting reservoir or housing I80. Shaft I92 carries and is driven from above mentioned gear 32, and in turn drives shaft I9I, in the present instance through a universal joint generally designated as I96, for permitting slight misalignment of the shaft. This provides for maintaining the tension on belt 35, above mentioned fitting I89 having an inwardly extending shank portion I89a slidable up and down in hopper H, and upwardly urged by a spring I89b connected thereto and suitably anchored to an upper portion of hopper H. As the effective diameter of sheave 34 is changed, as fully described below, fitting I89 is pulled down by the belt, or up by the spring, as the case may be, to maintain the belt tension within desirable limits.

Inner shaft I9I has fixed at its outer end a hub portion I91, Figs. 9 and 10 of a flange I98 of sheave 34, as by a pin I99. The other flange 200 has a housing portion 20I extending inwardly and connecting with a hub portion 202 slidably but non-rotatably engaging a splined portion 203 of inner shaft I9 I, and the axial position of flange 200 is controlled through sleeve I 88, the sleeve having a fitting 204 fixed thereon and providing an enlarged portion 205 in which is arranged an anti-friction bearing 206, preferably of a type adapted to sustain thrust as well as radial loads. This bearing bears in one direction against a shoulder 201 in fitting 204, and in the other direction against a shoulder 208 on hub 202, whereby a continuous thrust may be maintained against flange 200 without interference with free rotation thereof. Bearing 206 may be maintained in place at times when there is no thrust by any suitable means such as a snap ring 299. As indicated'in Fig. 9, the V-belt 35, when flange 200 is maintained close to flange I98, will be forced into a position close to the periphery of the flanges, which will result in a relatively high speed of the belt, and accordingly of auger I5, while with the parts in the position indicated in Fig. 10, the belt will travel much nearer the center of the pulley, and the auger will operate much slower.

For permitting the closest possible approach to each other of flanges I98 and 200, the inner faces thereof are made with alternate lands 2I0, and spaces 2I I, Fig. 11, the lands of one flange fitting into the spaces of the other when the parts are in closed relation as shown in Fig. 9. When the flanges are relatively widely separated, as shown in Fig. 10, the belt may travel at least in part on the lands of both flanges.

Upon slightly greater separation of the flanges than that shown in Fig. 10, the belt will drop so that its inner edge or face rests on an idler pulley or roll 2I2 journaled on an inner extension I91e of hub I 91, the flanges being in only light contact with the side faces of the belt, or entirely out of contact therewith, whereby a loose pulley effect is obtained, and the feed mechanism stopped without stopping the motor 22, or shaft I9I. During feeding operation idler roll 2I2 is wholly or partially enclosed in housing 2!". It is maintained in axial position on hub extension I91e by means of a collar 2I3, fixed with the extension in any suitable manner. A tension spring 2I4, Fig. 2, is engaged between housing I31 and a clamp or the like 2I5 on sleeve I88 for assisting in retracting the sleeve and pulley flange 200, the resulting constant pressure toward the right as seen in Fig. 2 being of advantage in the operation of power relay 38.

It will now be apparent, assuming the machine to be running, that a balance will be maintained automatically with pulley 34 adjusted to feed just enough material to cause a certain predetermined load on the motor 22. If this load is exceeded for any reason, springs I46 and I 41 yield slightly, and the resulting displacement of housing I44 causes a raising of cam member I58,

this movement actuating lever HI and causinga movement to the right of link I16, and accordingly of rods I82 and I84, permitting movementof pulley flange 200 away from flange I 98, toward the condition shown in Fig. 10, slowing the operation ofauger I5, and accordinglythe feed of material. This will result in a reduction in the load on the parts to a desired value. If the load becomes too light the reverse operation of .the parts takes place, moving the flange 206 toward the condition shown in Fig. 9, whereby the feed is increased. Close control of the load on the parts, and also of the degree of compression of the briquettes is thus obtained.

Power relay 38 may be of any suitable type which will permit relatively free movement of lever I1 I, while following movements thereof with corresponding movements of rod I84, and which is capable of exerting a substantial amount of force upon the latter. A relatively simple ar ran-gement is used in the present instance, above mentioned plunger ISI, Fig. '7, being slidable in a guide portion 2H5 of housing 182, and having aligned therewith a stationary plunger 2l1, a sleeve 218 embracing both plungers in a substantially fluid-tight manner, but being freely slidable thereon. Fluid under pressure is introduced preferably at a substantially constant rate between the ends of plungers I8I and 2H, preferably through a passageway 2H) in plunger 2H, forcing plunger I81 to the left as seen in Fig. Zuntil its enduncovers,0r partially uncovers a port 226 in the sleeve, the fluid escaping through the port and maintaining the plunger I8! in a position such that the port is maintained partly open. Movement of the sleeve to the left will carry port 220 past the end of plunger I8I, closing the port whereupon the pressure fluid coming in at 2I9 will force the plunger to the left until the port is again'open enough to permit the escape of fluid at'a rate equal to that at which the fluid is introd Movement o'f the sleeve to the right will increase the opening of port 22B,;Whereupon fluid will escape from the sleeve iaster than it is int'rodii'ced thereto. The pressure between the plungers will accordingly be reduced, and allow spring 2 I4 (Fig. 2) tomove the plunger to the right until the port is again closed to permitthe escape of fluid only fast enough to prevent a rise of pressure in the space between the plungers. It will be apparent that these operations will be accompanied by no substantial axial reactions in the'sle'eve 2I8, but that the force whichmay be developed in plunger I85 will depend iargely upon the pressure available in 'the'pressurefluid.

Fluid is contained in a reservoir inthe bottom of ousing I80, as more particularly shown in FigIS/a'nd'suppliedto passageway 2 I9 by means of apump generally designated as 22I, Fig. '1, driven with the other mechanism.

Fluid enters the pump through a passageway 222, Figs. '7 and. 8, passing upwardly through a port 223, closed against return flow by a ball 224 or other suitable valve element, into a cylinder 22 5, preferably formed in a wall of housing I80, upon upward movement of a piston 226. Upon downward movement thereof the fluid flows out through apassageway 221 and a port 228, closed against return flow by a ball 229, into a bore 235! in which is fastened above mentioned stationary plunger 2 H. The plunger has a shoulder or collar 23I which is clamped against the inner wall of housing I80 by a nut or the like 232, and a groove 233 on plunger 2", within bore 230', provides a passageway f or fluid from port 228 and valve 229 stand. according to the position of the valve,

aligned with, or transverse to a port 231 leading from a Y p ss way 23 eo m n with above mentioned bore 230, into housing I80. When the valve is in the latter position, the port 231 is, of course, closed, and the pump etc. functions as above described. When the valve is turned so as to open the bypass, fluid is pumped into bore .230, but is immediately exhausted therefrom together with any fluid in sleeve 2l8, through-passageway '238 and port 231, allowing plunger I8I to move to the right until a stop poi tion 239 thereon rests against the end of plunger 2 I1, which will allow the pulley flange 260 to take the above described position wherein belt 35 rests on idler, or loose pulley 2 I2, so as to stop the feed of material by auger I5. Valve 235 may be controlled by a handle or stop lever 240.

Sleeve 2 I 3 receives its motion from red I82 through a clevis 24] pivoted to a bracket 242 carried by the sleeve, and connection to lever I11 is effected by a clevis 243, preferably adjustably connected to rod I32, the adjustment being maintained by a lock nut 244. Other adjustments may be provided wherenecessary to facilitate obtaining correct relations of the parts to each other within the contemplation of the invention.

1 Pump piston 226 may be reciprocated in any suitable manner, preferably being upwardly urged by a spring ;245 dis'po'sedin a counterbore 246 aligned with eylinder 225, and bearing against a collar "241' on the plunger, the upward movement being limited by a plug 248, threaded, or otherwise fix ed in the upper part of the counterbore. The piston is downwardly actuated by alever 249, Figs. 2 and'5, pivoted at 250 to an ear 25i supported on an upper portion of housing I82, the left end of the lever, as seen in the figures, being raised and lowered by a rod 252, preferably guided for sliding movement in apertured flanges 253 and 254 projecting from housing I86, and also in an apertured boss 255 on closure I38. The rod engages lever 249 at its upper end, and at its lower end rests on above mentioned cam plate 135, wherebyirotation of the plate, withgear 25, etc, will cause rising and falling of the rod, and actuation of the pump 22 I'.

It is desirable that the feed of material to the dies be as uniform as possible, and, to insure a dependable flow from hopper H to anger i5 agitators 256-256 Fig. 2, are fixed on a shaft .251 journaled in suitable bearings 258 and 259 in hopper H, and driven from a shaft 260 carrying above mentioned pulley 36, and constituting the final driving means for auger I5, a sprocket or the 1ike,'26 I, beingmounted on the shaft and driving, through a chain 262, a sprocket 263, mounted on shaft 251.

In spite of these precautions, periodic variations in the delivery of auger I5 are likely, and mechanism is provided, for insuring an even loading of the dies regardless oflthe resulting slugs of material. v

The auger delivers into the feed housing l1, Figs." 3 and 4, which is supported between th table T and carrier 20, in the region of greatest opening of the dies, so that lower die portions l8 may pass below it, and upper die portions l9 may pass above. It is held from being displaced by movement of the dies by means of an arm 264 extending outwardly into position to contact an abutment or bracket portion 265, fixed with one of columns 43 as shown, more particularly in Fig. 12, this portion taking any thrust developed in the feed housing, but allowing a slight amount of free floating thereof. A second arm 266, Figs. 3 and 4, extends between the rotating members, and is journaled on a pin 26'! fixed centrally of plate 66 as by a nut 268. The housing thus is held against any tendency toward being dragged around by the table T.

In order to provide slight freedom of the housing, and to avoid straining auger housing l6, a fiange or similar connection 268 is provided, a sleeve 210 being interposed and extending into both the auger housing and the feed housing as shown, and a small amount of slack or looseness being allowed between the several parts. Auger housing I6 is fixed in any suitable manner with the bottom of hopper H, which in turn is carried by a pair of arms 2'H-2'H, Fig. 2, fixed in any suitable manner with upper frame 39, and supporting the hopper by means of brackets or the like 212-212, suitably fastened to the hopper.

Arm 264 is urged downwardly by a spring 213, Fig. 12, bearing at its upper end against an abutment portion 214 of above mentioned bracket 265, a pin 215 extending upwardly from the arm and being slidable in a suitable aperture in the bracket for guiding the parts, sufiicient freedom being allowed to permit contact between the arm 264 and abutment 265.

Housing I! is in the form of a curved elongated box having an opening 216, Fig. 4, extending over the open tops of several of the lower die portions l8, so that the material in the housing may rest upon plate 66, and fall into the die portions as they pass beneath the opening. The material coming from the auger is thus deposited in the dies and carried away thereby as the table rotates. Gravity alone, however, is not relied upon for filling the dies, a leaf or strike 21'! being supported, normally in a downwardly inclined position in the direction of rotation of table T and dies l8, within an opening 218 in the top of the feed housing, and terminating substantially at the end thereof in said direction of rotation. This is clearly shown in Fig. 14, and as apparent therein, material carried along on plate 66 in the direction of the arrows will tend to be forced down by the inclined leaf, and struck off even with the tops of die portions l8.

During the cyclic variation in feed above mentioned, the amount of material may be momentarily greater than the capacity of the dies, and under these conditions the leaf is forced upwardly toward the dotted-line position in Fig. 14, the leaf being fixed on a rod 219 pivotally supported in bearings 288 and 28 l Fig. 4, to permit such movement, and being urged downwardly by a torsion spring 282, anchored at one end in bearing 280, and at the other in collar 283, fixed with the rod 279. The leaf will float on the material, and tend to urge it into the dies, but if material is fed momentarily at a rate greater than that at which the dies can take it away, the leaf will be pushed up by the material, which will accumulate under it in readiness for filling the dies a moment later when the supply from the auger is deficient. If material continues to be fed too fast, the leaf will be pushed up to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 14, and the material will spill out over the top of housing l1, and find its way to plate 66 and return orifice 10. This wil tend to iron out fluctuations in the feed of material to the dies. Under these conditions the material will be struck off level with the dies by wall 284 of housing l1.

Material of this type tends to vary somewhat in density owing to differences in fineness, moisture content, etc., and to compensate for this, the material in the dies is given a slight preliminary compression. The capacity of die portions l8 with the material solidly packed is somewhat in excess of the amount of material in a finished briquette, and the preliminary compression either compacts the material to the desired firmness before the heavy pressure is applied, or, if the material is already of sufiicient firmness, forces some of it out of the die so that the charge, and consequently the final pressure on the material and parts, is not excessive.

For this purpose a metering plate 285, Fig. 4, is pivoted at 286 and 281, respectively, to housing I! and a bracket 288 extending therefrom, point 281 being adjustable if desired, and the adjustment being maintained by a lock-nut 289. The plate is urged into firm sliding contact with plate 66, and serves to prevent the escape from the mouths of dies l8 of any material except in excess of that constituting a full charge. A spring 290, Fig. 13 compressed between plate 285 and an abutment 29! adjustable in a bracket 292 extending from above mentioned arm 264, Fig. 4, exerts a resilient pressure against the plate, but allows it to yield upwardly in the event that the upward pressure of the material exceeds the pressure of the spring. Adjustment of abutment 2! permits adjustment of this pressure, and accordingly of the degree of preliminary compression of the material. The z clijustment is maintained by a lock nut 293,

As previously pointed out, when dies [8 pass beneath plate 285, plungers 2| are raised to displace some of the material in the dies so as to compact, or preliminarily compress it, and if the material as delivered into the dies is too loosely packed, plate 285 will resist the relatively low pressure developed, and will remain in the position shown in Fig. 14. On the other hand, if the material is reasonably tightly packed, the pressure developed by raising of the plunger 2| will raise plate 285 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 13, and some of the material will escape onto the surface of plate 66, and be swept by centrifugal force, vibration, and the like, into recovery orifice 18.

The pressure developed in the die portions l8 during the final compressing of the material is very high, and, to avoid subjecting the actuating mechanism of plungers 2| to the resulting heavy stresses, the shank portions 8| are arranged to rest at their lower ends upon upper race 50 of the lower bearing during the time that high pressure obtains in the dies, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, the race thus constituting a stop means for the plungers in their outward movement. This may be conveniently done by providing a gap in the cam-track I88 in the region of high pressure in the dies. Since the rolls 98 are thus unsupported by the cam-track in this region, there is no resistance to downward movement of the plungers until race 50 is reached, and no possibility of heavy stresses being imposed on the plunger actuating parts.

In operation, the material to be briquetted is fed into bin B, Fig. I, and dried sufiiciently for the purpose in drier D. It is then conveyed by conveyor C to pulverizer P in which it is reduced to a uniformly fine state, the material then being raised intohopper H by elevator E. The granulated material is fed between the die portions [8 and [9 by. auger conveyor I ,.the rate of feed being governed by the torqueresistance developed in the compressing mechanism, and appearing in the drive-shaft 23, the torque responsive coupling 3i regulating the effective diameter of the feed drive-pulley 34 through the. power relay 38.

In this way the feed of material to the. dies is automatically kept at a rate which will result in the desired degree of compression in the material, and excessive stresses in the machine are avoided.

Pulsations in the rate of feed due to the action of auger l5 are compensated for by the floating of leaf or strike 2'", theleaf rising to accommodate'material fed momentarily in excess of the. capacity of the dies. In. the eventthat the excessive feed continues the strike rises suificient- 1y to allow the excess. material to be spilled out through'opening2'l8.

Beyond the strike the mat, rial is subjected to a preliminary compression against the yielding plate 285 by. a rise of plungers 2!, this serving to compact the material to a uniform density prior to the final compressing process, or if the material is already of proper-density, forcing the plate-upwardly, and allowing the excess to escape over. the surface of plate lifi. Material so discharged, or leakage is recovered through orifice :at the edge of plate 66, and through ducts 81, and transferred by the air-blast maintained by fan'i lto extracto 1.8, and returned to hopper H. PlungersZIareraised and lowered from rolls 98 running on cam-track I00 of suitable contour to. raiseand lowerthe rolls ;at-the proper times, and the correct amounts, to perform the various functions;

vAt about .the point B, Fig.- l, the plungersare gradually raised in order toeject-the finished briquettes from the dies, and as the raised briquettes encounter. the curved surfacewZQlof housingll'l' they are deflected into chute-;295, and conducted to elevator E to be disposed of. Chute; 295:-has an opening. 296 coveredby a grid or series of rods 291, any fragments, dust or the like which mayescapethe orifice -.'I[I dropping through the opening .sothatonly clean whole briquettes are finally, delivered from the machine. ,Thefeed of material to the dies may be stopped at anyiptimewithout shutting down the machine by suitably; setting by-pass valve 235 by means of-stop lever 240.. V

For assisting in clearing the plate 66 a scraper 298'is arranged toform a continuation ofsurface 294, being-supported from feed housing l1 atone end, and extending substantially in aspiral path and being fixed at its other end -to,the inner end of arm 266. Any particles not affected by centrifugal force, or otherwise urged towardthe edge of the platev and orifice. 10 are positively scraped .by this, member toward wall 294 whence they. are directed to orifice 10 or chute 295.

Suitable. expedients are provided for lubricating the parts, excluding dirt-.and the1like,and for. adjusting the relations of the various operating elements to insure proper coordination thereof.

It is understood that variations of the struc ture are contemplated, and that the invention is not limited-to the specifiomechanismshown and described, orin fact in any manner except as set forth in the annexed claims.

What is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent'of the United States is:

1. In a briquette making machine, upper and lower complementary .die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, load responsive means arranged to so move said die portions, means for charging said die portions with material to be formed'into briquettes including a feed housing so located as to maintain a body of material in position to enter the lower die por,-. tion when presented to said housing, means for feeding material to said housing, and variable speed driving means for the feeding means, there being connections from said load responsive means for adjusting said driving means in accordance with the force necessary to move said die portions.

2. In a briquette making machine, upper and lower complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions, means for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes including a feed housing so located as to maintain a body of material in positionto enter alower die portion when'presented to said housing, means for feeding material to said housing, means for presenting and removing die portions from beneath the housing, and means for relieving the housing of excess material fed by the feeding means including a strike positioned to direct material into the die portions as they pass beneath said housing and to strikeit off substantially even with the margins of said lower die portions.

3. In a briquette making machine, upper and lower complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said dieportions, means for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes including a feed housing so located asto maintain a body of material in position to enter a lower die portion when presented to said housing, means for feeding .material to said housing, means for presenting and removing die portions from beneath the housing, 'andmeansfor absorbing fluctuations in the rate of feed of material tothe housing. for substantially uniform charging of said dies including a strike yieldably mounted and positioned to direct material into the die portions as they pass beneath the housing and to receive the upward thrust of said material so as to yield away from said die portions in the event of a momentary excess of material in said housing. over the capacity of the die portions.

4. In a briquette making machine, upper and lower complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions, means for charging said die portions with material-to be formed into briquettes includinga feed housing so located as to maintain a body of material in position to enter a lower die portion when presented to the housing, means for feeding material to said housing, means for presenting and removing die portions from beneath the housing, yielding means mounted and. positioned .to direct material into the die portions as they pass beneath the housing. and toreceive the upward thrust of saidmaterial, said means being arranged to yield away from said die portionsto a position to ,allow escape of material from the housing in the event of an excess of material in the housing, and means for recovering material so escaping from the housing.

5. In a briquette making machine, upper and lower complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions including a pair of juxtaposed rotors each carrying a set of die portions fixed therewith, the axes of the rotors being disposed at a slight angle to each other whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies and to force them together for compressing material within the dies, means disposed in the open region and arranged for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes, and means for ejecting finished briquettes from the dies operating in said open region in advance of the charging means.

6. In a briquette making machine, sets of complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions including a pair of juxtaposed rotors each carrying a set of die portions fixed therewith, the axes of the rotors being disposed at a slight angle to each other whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies and to force them together for compressing material within the dies, means disposed in the open region and arranged for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes, and plungers arranged to be extended into the dies in accordance with the rotated position of the rotors to eject finished briquettes while the dies are passing throgh said open region and in advance of the charging means.

7. In a briquette making machine, sets of complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions including a pair of juxtaposed rotors each carrying a set of die portions fixed relatively thereto, the axes of the rotors being disposed at a slight angle to each other whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies as the rotors rotate, and to compress material introduced into the dies for forming briquettes, means disposed in the open region and arranged for charging said die portions with such material, a closure disposed in said open region and arranged to temporarily close the charged die portions prior to closing thereof with their complementary die portions for forming briquettes and subsequent to charging thereof, and plungers arranged to be extended into the dies in accordance with the rotated position of the rotors so as to eject finished briquettes while the dies are passing through said open region and in advance of the charging means and again subsequent to charging of said dies so as to preliminarily compress material against said closure subsequently to charging of the dies by said charging means, said plungers being arranged to retract from said dies during the closing of said dies with each other for compressing material.

8. In a briquette making machine, set of complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions including a pair of juxtaposed rotors each carrying a set of die portions, the axes of the rotors being disposed at a slight angle to each other whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies as the rotors rotate, means disposed in the open region and arranged for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes, a closure yieldably mounted in said open region and arranged to temporarily close the charged die portions prior to closing thereof with their comple mentary die portions, plungers arranged to be extended into the dies in accordance with the rotated position of the rotors for ejecting finished briquettes while the dies are passing through said open region and in advance of the charging means, and also so as to preliminarily compress material against said closure subsequently to charging of the dies by said charging means, said closure being arranged to yield in the event of abnormal preliminary compression to permit escape of a portion of the material from the die portions and to govern the amount of material allowed to remain in the charge, and means arranged to recover material escaping from said die portions.

9. In a briquette making machine, sets of complementary die portions arranged to be moved alternately apart and together, means arranged to so move said die portions including a pair of juxtaposed rotors each carrying a set of die portions, the axes of the rotors being disposed at a slight angle to each other whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies as the rotors rotate, means disposed in the open region and arranged for charging said die portions with material to be formed into briquettes, and plungers arranged to be extended into the dies in accordance with the rotated position of the rotors so as to preliminarily compress material in said dies subsequently to charging thereof by said charging means and said plungers being arranged to recede in advance of closing of the dies for final compression of the material.

10. In a briquetting machine, a pair of rotatable disk-like members disposed in oblique relation to each other, mating die portions on said members positioned to be opened and closed for compressing material to be formed into briquettes by rotation of said members, means for rotating said members, means for feeding material to said dies when they are open for forming briquettes therein, and means in advance of said. feeding means for removing briquettes formed in said dies.

11. In a briquetting machine, a pair of rotatable disk-like members disposed in oblique relation to each other, mating die portions on said members positioned to be opened and closed as said members rotate, means including a torque responsive element for rotating said members, means for feeding material to said dies when they are open for forming briquettes therein, means controlled by said torque responsive element for governing the amount of material fed by said feeding means, and means in advance of said feeding means for removing briquettes formed in said dies.

12. In a briquetting machine, a plurality of mating die portions, mechanism for opening and closing said die portions for forming briquettes therein, means including a load responsive element for driving said mechanism, means for feeding material to said die portions to be compressed, and means controlled by said load responsive element for governing the amount of material fed by said feeding means in accordance with the resistance of said material to operation of said die portions.

13. In a briquetting machine, a series of dies providing upper and lower portions arranged to be opened and closed in relation to each other in the operation of said machine, ejecting plungers arranged to be extended into said lower die portions for removing finished briquettes therefrom, mechanism for feeding an excess amount of comminuted material into said lower portions when said die portions are open, a yieldable closure element supported between said die portions and arranged to scrape some of said excess material from said portions before closing of said dies, and mechanism for introducing said ejecting plungers into said lower die portions while said closure is in position over said lower die portions for preliminarily compacting said comminuted material, said closure element being arranged to yield in the event of excessive preliminary compacting in said die portion to provide for the escape of the remainder of said excess material whereby a correct charge of material will be placed in each die regardless of variations in density of the comminuted material as delivered to the die portions.

14. In a briquetting machine, a series of dies supported for movement in a continuous path and providing upper and lower portions separated at certain points in said path and closed together at other points, ejecting members arranged to be extended into said lower die portions to expel finished briquettes therefrom at one point in said path, mechanism for feeding comminuted material into said lower portions at another point in said path, a yieldable closure element supported between said die portions and arranged to scrape excess material from said portions at a subsequent point in said path, and mechanism for introducing said ejecting members into said lower die portions during the period while said closure element is over said lower die portions for preliminarily compacting said comminuted material, said closure element yielding in the event of excessive preliminary compacting in said die portion to provide for the escape of a portion of said comminuted material.

15. In a briquetting machine, a series of dies providing upper and lower portions arranged to be opened and closed against each other in the operation of said machine, ejecting plungers arranged to be extended into said lower die portions for removing finished briquettes therefrom, mechanism for feeding comminuted material into said lower portions when said die portions are open, a closure element supported between said die portions and arranged to scrape excess material from said portions before closing of said dies, and mechanism for introducing said ejecting plungers into said lower die portions after the introduction of material thereinto, and while said closure is in position over said lower portions, for preliminarily compacting said comminuted material prior to final compression between said die portions.

16. In a briquette machine, a series of dies providing complementary portions arranged to be opened and closed in relation to each other in the operation of the machine, mechanism having portions arranged to be extended into certain of said die portions for removing finished briquettes therefrom, means for feeding comminuted material into said dies when said die portions are open, and a closure element supported between said die portions and arranged to scrape excess material from said portions before closing of said dies, said mechanism including means for preliminarily compacting against said closure element comminuted material introduced into said dies prior to the final compression between said die portions.

17. In a briquette making machine, a plurality of mating die portions, mechanism for opening and closing said die portions to a predetermined definite closed relation to each other, for forming briquettes of predetermined definite and uniform size, means for charging the dies with material to be compressed and means governed by the density of the briquettes being formed for predetermining the amount of material in each charge with a sufficient degree of accuracy that the finished uniform sized briquettes will have a substantially uniform density.

18. In a briquette making machine, a pair of rotatable disk-like members disposed in oblique relation to each other, mating die portions on members positioned to be opened and closed for compressing material to be formed into briquettes by rotation of said members, means for rotating said members, means for feeding material to said dies when they are open for form ing briquettes therein, plungers associated with the die portions on one of said disk-like members, mechanism arranged for extending the plungers into the die portions at predetermined positions in the rotation of said disk-like member for operating upon material in the die portion, and means for feeding material to the die portions when they are open.

19. In a briquetting machine, a frame, an inclined rotatable table mounted in the frame and having a die member therein, means for delivering comminuted material into said die memher, a plunger in the die member, means for intermittently actuating the plunger to control the quantity of material in the die member, an inclined rotatable die carrier mounted in the frame above said table and having a die member positioned to register with the die member in the table to trap and compress material therein, and means associated with the frame for rotating said table and carrier.

20. In a briquette making machine a plurality of mating die portions, mechanism for opening and closing said die portions for forming briquettes therein, means for charging the dies with material to be compressed and plungers arranged to be introduced into the dies during the cycle of operation, mechanism for so actuating the plungers, stop means for limiting the movement of the plungers out of the dies, and said actuating mechanism being arranged to release said plungers during the period that the dies are closed for compressing the briquettes, whereby the actuating mechanism is relieved from supporting the plungers against the heavy pressures then obtaining in the dies.

21. In a briquette making machine a lower substantially L shaped frame member and an upper inverted L shaped member, the vertical portions of the L shaped members being united, and the horizontal portions extending forwardly to provide a substantially C shaped frame, an inclined rotatable table mounted in the frame, an inclined rotatable die carrier mounted in the frame above the table, a set of dies fixed with the table, a set of mating dies fixed with the die carrier, said table and die carrier being juxtaposed whereby to provide open and closed regions for the dies'and to force them together for compressing material within the dies, said open region being disposed remote from said vertical portions of said L shaped frame members, means for delivering comminuted material into said die members disposed in said open region between the dies, and means on the frame for rotating said table and said die carrier.

22. In a briquetting machine a pair of rotatable disk-like members disposed in oblique relation to each other, mating die portions on said members positioned to be opened and closed as said members rotate, means including a load responsive element for rotating said disk-like members, means for feeding material to said die portions to be compressed, and means controlled by said load responsive element for governing the amount of material fed by said feeding means in accordance with the resistance to rotation of said disk-like members.

JOHN F. CRAWFORD. 

